It was apparent that he didnt agree, but he kept the disappointment off his face as well as he could. Meanwhile, I think I want another one worse than I thought. I enjoy all the attempts at making one, dont get me wrong, but its more than that.

Peter…our jobs dont really make it easy to even maintain one kid.

I know. But we could make it work, dont you think?

Im not sure. Right now, at this moment, Id have to say no.

He smiled, reached over and took her hand. How about I lay off…give you a few more months to think it over? Maybe we can re-evaluate in like four or five months?

Yeah, she said, though in that moment, she knew very well that her mind would not change. Of course, by the time the opportunity for the another-kid talk came up, hed know her secret and that would obviously take the topic off of the table.

Can I ask why youre so on board with the idea of a second kid? Rachel asked.

He turned the TV off completely, making sure all of his attention went to her. The other night when I had to be late…just knowing we had to have a sitter here with Paige sort of messed with me. Sure, I know its nothing unusual for parents to have to leave their kids with a sitter, but it just…well, it sucked, you know? I wanted to be here with her. It was such a simple feeling, but it made me realize how much I love that kid. That feeling has just been sort of sitting with me since then and…yeah, I think I would like to have another one to love.

Oh, you selfish jerk, Rachel scolded herself. The longer you dont tell him about the tumor, the longer hes going to have this hope. You have to tell him…

But even as she thought about it, Peter was leaning in and kissing her. Their bodies still seemed to be tuned up from the unexpected romp the night before. It started to get heated right about the same time Rachel felt the need to tell him about the tumor. The thought arrived almost as quickly as the surprising desire to have him again.

Hold on, she said.

Peter smiled and looked towards the hall. Its okay. Paige is asleep.

She smiled back and kissed the corner of his mouth. No. Its not that. Theres something I need to tell you.

He apparently saw the seriousness in her gaze because he didnt object further. He slid back a few feet to give her some space. What is it? he asked. Dont take this the wrong way, but you just got all serious on me. Was it the case?